Burns withdraws from Barrett/Paradise/Price magistrate race

Monroe County Detective Robert Burns announced Wednesday he will withdraw his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge for the townships of Barrett, Paradise and Price.

The seat becomes vacant when current district justice John D. Whitesell retires at the end of his term this year.

Burns initially announced his decision to run for the office in February.

“Shortly after announcing my intention to run, Chief Phil Riley of the Pocono Township Police Department announced that he too would be seeking the position,” Burns wrote in a press release. “Since that time, Chief Riley and I have been in contact several times discussing the situation. After speaking with Phil I am confident in saying that he would be a great Judge. I believe he has the knowledge and experience needed to fulfill the needs of the community.”

Burns is a detective with the Monroe County’s District Attorney's Office and a police officer with the Barrett Township Police Department.